Travel Guide Regensburg
Regensburg, a scenic town in Bavaria, Germany on the banks of the Danube River, is a lively mixture of history, culture, and charms. What makes Regensburg so special is its medieval old town, amazing architectural masterpieces, and UNESCO World Heritage sites that provide a time-travel experience coupled with modern amenities and attractions. Ranging from discovering historical landmarks to savoring Bavarian specialties and experiencing the active nightlife, this guidebook will take you on a tour of the best things in Regensburg.
Regensburg, a historical town in Bavaria, Germany, is a perfect combination of the past, the present and the future. Right next to the Danube River runs the Regensburg old town that is UNESCO World Heritage. Thanks to its authentic medieval architecture and the colorful mood, Regensburg should definitely be in any traveler’s list of places to visit.
What to See in Regensburg?
Regensburg is best experienced by merely walking. We had everything to see and literally go here and there, but we didn’t do that just to see specific things. Unlike the plan, we came across them while going on self-guided walking tour of Regensburg. Let’s have a peep into what we found during our visit to Regensburg!
Regensburg Cathedral (St. Peter’s Cathedral)
The major landmark of Regensburg is St. Peter Cathedral. It did not matter where we were, as long as we had the cathedral’s twin spires in our sight to help us find our way in the treacherous network of the Regensburg lanes! The construction of St. Peter’s church started from around 1260 until 1520, substituting the older buildings which occupied the central area of the Old Town. The cathedral is generally accepted to be the most complete example of Gothic architecture in Bavaria.
Porta Praetoria
Located just north the cathedral is the Porta Praetoria, an ancient arch still standing as a testimony to the Roman legacy of Regensburg. The stone gate which was built by Emperor Marcus Aurelius in 179 A.D. was situated at the northern end of the Castra Regina fortress.
The Stone Bridge
Regensburg’s stone bridge is identified as the zenith of the city for tourists. A gem of medieval craftsmanship, the bridge is the oldest stone vaulted bridge in Germany. It was constructed between 1135 and 1146 and has a number of fragments in their original form to this day. The stone bridge extends 310 meters, and it is 7 meters wide, which at one point made it the largest in the world. It was also the only bridge made of stone across the Danube between Ulm and Vienna for more than 800 years!
Wurstkuchl- Historic Sausage Kitchen
Located almost next to the Stone Bridge is the historic sausage kitchen of Regensburg, Wurstkuchl. This kitchen has served the homemade sausages for about 900 years now. In the Middle Age times, stonemasons and dockworkers would pause from their bridge-building duties to eat here.
Regensburg’s Medieval Rathaus (City Hall)
For our group, the Old Town Hall was the most exciting place in Regensburg. The building is dated back to the 13th century and was the permanent venue of the Imperial Diet of the Holy Roman Empire from 1663-1806. Because only the interior is accessible as part of a tour, we decided to join one. Generally, I like to discover places on my own but this tour was outstanding. This guide was indeed informative, and he told us a little bit about the building’s history, shared some stories, and pointed out some architectural features.
Stadtamhof
Stadtamhof is the part of Regensburg that is on the other side of the bridge from the Old Town. It was an independent town which was chartered to the city of Regensburg in 1924. Stadtamhof is included in UNESCO’S WORLD HERITAGE SITE designation together with the Old Town of Regensburg. The main street has buildings on both sides. These stores and restaurants have bright colors. Apart from that, we also came across nice clock towers!
Take a walk on the Old Stone Bridge
Walk the Steinerne Brücke or the Old Stone Bridge that was built here in the 12th century AD. This bridge was a lifeline for many merchant families that lived in the old town and offered trading opportunities between Northern Europe and Venice.
Take a moment to picture a great number of boats carrying people underneath your feet, market people like ants going about their work, and rich merchants looking down upon you from the balconies of their grand mansions. So was our life in medieval Regensburg.
Keep an eye on the tower houses
In addition to patrician houses, the huge houses of Regensburg were very visible symbols of economic prosperity of the Middle Ages. The rich traders displayed their wealth by constructing huge homes. Neighbors and competitors tried to exceed them and erect still taller buildings. This came to be a sea of Tall Patrician Towers which were status symbols and literally gave Regensburg a unique silhouette.
BMW Factory Tour
Regensburg is home to a huge BMW factory where car fans can take a paid tour. This trip takes usually 3 hours and you can choose either English or Deutsch guide. You can go through the body shop, press shop, paint shop, and assembly lines that within minutes produces hundreds of BMWs. The synchronized perfection of the robots that go on working seamlessly is amazing to watch.
German Hall of Fame at Walhalla
Fancy a quick excursion from Regensburg downtown? Eager to explore some Greek architecture in Regensburg? Walk past the picturesque Walhalla monument in the lovely town of Donaustauf situated above River Danube. Walhalla is a distinctive hall of fame that honors the German-speaking men and women who have performed great deeds in history. It was commissioned by King Ludwig I of Bavaria in the 19th century and it was constructed in the shape of an ancient Greek temple. A trip to Walhalla from Regensburg is around 20 minutes by car and 40 minutes by bus.
Culinary Delights in Regensburg
Here are some good culinary delights in Regensburg:
Regensburg Sausages
No trip to Regensburg is complete without tasting the local specialties, the sausages, or “Wurst.” You will definitely enjoy the traditional bratwurst or the spicy currywurst; these are foods that you should not miss.
Bavarian Beer Culture
Regensburg belongs to Bavaria, the homeland of German beer, and has a centuries-old brewing history. Visitors can taste local brews at traditional beer gardens or historic breweries becoming part of the local beer culture.
Local Restaurants and Dishes
Regensburg is the home to a variety of restaurants that offer both the traditional Bavarian delicacies and other international cuisines. From hearty pork knuckles to delicate dumplings, the city’s food culture is something stunning you absolutely want to taste.
Outdoor Activities and Nature
If looking for some adventure in your itinerary, a Danube River cruise would be a great option for you. Cruise down the well-known river and enjoy breathtaking views of the spectacular skyline and gorgeous surrounding. For anyone missing a more down-to-earth experience, put on your hiking shoes and go for a hike in the Bavarian Forest. The forest with its dense vegetation and serene paths provides a nature refuge for quiet moments.
Shopping and Markets
Spoil yourself with some retail therapy in the Historic Sausage Kitchen where you can shop to your heart’s content as you satisfy your taste buds with some sumptuous sausages from the region. In this Christmas season, plunge yourself into the spirit of festivity at Thurn and Taxis Christmas Market. Wander through the booths overflowing with handmade crafts and sample mulled wine while enjoying the Christmas cheer.
Nightlife and Entertainment
In Regensburg, evening is the time when the city’s nightlife kicks off. Explore the vivid breweries and pubs in the neighborhood where patrons congregate for drinks and conversations. The good news is that there are different venues in Regensburg if you are into live music where you can listen to really talented musicians and bands. Get prepared to stamp your feet and dive yourself into the sound of the town.
The best time to visit Regensburg
The ideal time for the trip to Regensburg is spring and summer (May – September). The weather becomes cozy and conducive to taking a trip. On the other hand, summer is the busiest one. This means that it is a good idea to book on time if you are trying to find a summer holiday in Germany.
Tips for a Journey to Regensburg
The transportation system in Regensburg can be easily navigated, with options such as buses and taxis being available. If you would like to experience the city at its best, visit in the summer when the weather is warm and there is a lot of outdoor activities taking place. Regarding accommodations, Regensburg has a variety of hotels, guesthouses, and Airbnb with which all visitors can chose a place that meets their liking.
This city has a great combination of historical sites, culinary delights, nature beauty and lively atmosphere. Therefore, it offers something to everyone who wants to travel. With its timeless atmosphere and always welcoming spirit, this Bavarian masterpiece will definitely stay on your memory as you walk on its stone-paved streets or discover its historic treasures. Plan a trip to Regensburg right away and get ready for a royal treat.
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